Targeted action against knife crime is underway in Eastboune, Brighton and Crawley.

The action was made possible by £600,000 from the Home Office’s Knife Crime Concentration Fund, following a successful bid by Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne working with Sussex Police and local partners.

It will support a combination of targeted enforcement, prevention activity and environmental improvements in areas most affected by knife crime.

It comes as Sussex has recorded a strong reduction in knife crime.

In the past six months knife crime has gone down by 47% due to intense patrol activity in specific targeted areas compared to the monthly average seen in those locations over the past year.

The cost of knife crime has also reduced by 42.7% over the same period when compared to the monthly average over the past 12 months. 

Chief Inspector Jim Loader, lead for serious violence and knife crime, said: “Knife crime continues to have a devastating impact on victims, those closest to them and the wider community and Sussex Police remains committed in it’s efforts to catch the criminals perpetrating this violence on our streets.

“Through our analysis, we have a better understanding of the underlying causes of knife crime in specific areas of Brighton, Eastbourne and Crawley and we are adapting our response to address these.

“The intense, problem-solving action, with the support of our partners, is tailored to address the issues, reduce criminality in the long term and make our streets safer.

“Depending on the needs of the area, there will be increased patrols, CCTV cameras, interventions from partners and Live Facial Recognition deployments.  

“Areas will see improved lighting and more Night Safety Marshals will be visible in Brighton city centre.

“There are also diversion programmes for young people most a risk of being a victim or a perpetrator of knife crime.

“I urge young people to think before they carry a knife. Our campaign ‘One choice. Two futures. #KnivesCostLives’ hashtag prompts young people to contact the charity Fearless, part of Crimestoppers, to anonymously report information on knife carriers.

“Every time someone chooses to carry a knife, they are putting themselves and others in danger. That is why schemes such as the Knife Crime Concentration Fund are so important.

“Our priority is to keep people safe and feeling safe.”

Sussex Police and Crime Commission Katy Bourne said: "The reduction in knife crime we're already seeing shows that targeted action works but one young person carrying a knife is still one too many.

“This funding gives us an important opportunity to go further, enabling the police to take targeted action in the areas where it can have the greatest impact, to keep people safe and prevent violence before it happens."

"While it is encouraging to see knife crime falling in these hotspot locations, now is not the time for complacency.

“By continuing to work together, Sussex Police, local councils, community organisations and residents can make our neighbourhoods safer and give young people the opportunity to choose a positive future away from crime."

Partners have come together to help deliver long-lasting change. 

Kathy Ballard, Cabinet Member for Community Safety at Eastbourne Borough Council, said: "We welcome this targeted approach, which brings together partners to tackle the causes of knife crime and support young people who may be at risk. The fact that knife crime has already fallen significantly in these areas shows the value of working together to prevent violence and keep communities safe. We remain committed to supporting initiatives that help people feel safe and secure in Eastbourne."